Is it acceptable to take dd to hosp with me when in labour (while reinforcements arrive)?

[EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute]

Just wondering if I could take dd (21 months) to hosp if i go into labour and our support network isn't quite meshed. it's a long story but there's a lot of sickness etc around so things are looking thin.
if i get to due date i'll be fine as my mum will be with us but if it's before then could i take dd to hosp so dh could stay with her until someone arrives to take her away? (i'm not suggesting she stay with me) It could take a couple of hours maybe more for someone to arrive. The alt is dh stays with dd at home and waits - but then it could be over an hour to hosp if it's rush hour so could be over three hours until he joins me.
I'm not sure what hosp attitude would be - or if it would be best option for dd. Anyone got any thoughts/opinions/experience?

[EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute]

thanks. i can't have a homebirth unfortunately and we live in a flat with no-where to hide if i go into labour in daylight.
i'm sure you're right, i will talk to midwife but i think will leave dh with dd and nip off myself - would feel much happier with that than alternatives i think.
can't say taking dd with me to hosp would be first choice!

[mears]

Your hospital can't stop you doing that ECLM - I work as a labour ward midwife and that happens fairly regularly. Do what suits you best. Remember though that DH may miss birth if reinforcements do not arrive as usually there are no spare staff for babysitting. You can take DD into the room but you might not want to do that.

[EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute]

sorry not ignoring doula idea - not sure i've got time to meet, choose and get to know one so danger is another stranger in the room. i'm 38+4 now so problem time is only ten days until my mum arrives.

if i'd known this would crop up i prob would have looked into a doula...although i never know what attitude of midwives is to doulas - isn't there a risk they'd think i've brought someone in cos i dont' trust them (i suppose not if doula was main partner in place of dh).

[scorpio1]

doulas are sometimes free through local childrens centre-there is one at mine. worth a try?

[EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute]

thanks Mears - i wouldn't expect staff to babysit at all and would only do it in worst case scenario. and i would ask midwives before i did it if i really had to so at least they'd know. i hope it doesn't come to that!

[mosschops30]

The birthing centre I was going to actively encouraged the bringing of siblings (it was an NHS one) .... I decided against it.

[scorpio1]

do you know anyone who is a childminder who could be 'on call' ?

[EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute]

i will talk to our childminder who i'm sure would take her through day if she had a space but not sure she'd do out of hours.

[persephonesnape]

depending on the time of day - is there a play area in the hospital or a canteen that DH can take DD to while waiting for reinforcements? rather that he could then join you as soon as DC is collecetd by reinforcements than then have to travel an hour or so.

[EnormousChangesAtTheLastMinute]

yes, i think they could amuse themselves in daylight - might struggle overnight though. there is a tv room and i guess dd might go back to sleep but tbh i think i'd be happier to leave dd in bed and let dh follow when cavalry arrives than disrupt her to that extent. having a new sister is going to be enough of a shock without being dragged from bed, taken to hosp, taken away by grandparent etc etc!
still, maybe all this will take my mind off the contractions when the time comes?!
i have docs appoint now so need to nip off but thanks for taking the time to post. it has helped. good old mumsnetters!